Ex-pats from Aberdeen to Cornwall take advantage of Sunderland brewery's new delivery service

Fans of Maxim Brewery beers such as its legendary Double Maxim and Samson can now place orders online after the brewery signed up with nationwide drinks distributor EeBriaTrade.

The idea is an extension of the brewery’s own drive through takeaway service launched after the start of the first lockdown in March.

Brewery managing director Mark Anderson said: “So far we have had orders from Cornwall, the Wirral, Aberdeen, London and all over the place.

“Some of them are certainly ex pats from Sunderland and it is the Double Maxim which is proving most popular so far.”

The brewery began its takeaway service before Easter after losing virtually two thirds of its trade overnight when pubs closed on March 23.

Mr Anderson, who founded Maxim Brewery following the collapse for the city’s fabled Vaux Breweries in 1999, added: “This is now an extension of our drive through service and allows us to work with someone who has the platform to process the order, collect the beer and deliver it safely.

"It is something we have tried in the past although we have had issues with breakages.

"It is early days but everything seems to be going well so far.”

The Echo is publicising Maxim’s takeaway and delivery services as part of our ongoing #SupportLocal campaign to encourage people to back local businesses during the pandemic.

After reducing its drive through opening hours when coronavirus restrictions initially eased, Maxim, based at Gadwall Road, in Rainton Bridge, near Houghton, has extended them after the second lockdown began.

Mr Anderson said: “It was more popular in the summer when it was ideal for people to sit out in the garden and have a beer.

"Now, with Christmas close, people would rather be in the pub and hopefully they can do that next month.”

Nationwide orders can be made by signing up to either a personal or trade account at www.eebriatrade.com.

Maxim’s own drive through service is currently open Wednesdays-Fridays from 10am-3pm and on Saturdays from 9.30am-noon.

Orders for bottles and casks can be made over the phone on (0191) 5848844 and then collected from outdoor tables while staff watch from a socially acceptable distance.

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